MAINE TROOPERS REMIND OF 'MOVE OVER' LAW

The Maine Turnpike Authority and the Maine state troopers responsible for patrolling the toll highway, will join forces tomorrow to remind drivers about Maine’s little-known “move over” law.

The 2001 law requires motorists to move over a lane if possible when passing law enforcement, emergency or maintenance vehicles stopped on the shoulder or median of the highway.

Tomorrow, turnpike troopers will conduct a speed enforcement detail with two purposes: nabbing speeders and providing passersby with a warning if they fail to move over. At the same time, Maine Turnpike toll collectors will be distributing thousands of informational cards to remind drivers about Maine’s law. Failure to move over could result in a $311 fine.

“Most drivers move over as a courtesy and we really appreciate that,” said Lt. Arthur Murdock of the turnpike’s Troop G. “But others skim by much too close for comfort, putting the trooper and everyone else at the scene at risk.”

Murdock said drivers "just don’t realize how dangerous it is. That’s why we are working with the turnpike to spread the word." The informational card includes a photo of a badly damaged Maine State police cruiser that was rear-ended, and reminds drivers of the law and the fine.